Iceland, a land sculpted by fire and ice, presents a dramatic tapestry of landscapes, from active volcanoes and colossal glaciers to rugged coastlines teeming with wildlife. To truly immerse oneself in this Nordic wonderland, a journey by sea offers an unparalleled perspective. Recently, an exclusive opportunity arose to explore Iceland’s northern and western reaches aboard Lindblad Expeditions’ newest vessel, the National Geographic Endurance. This purpose-built expedition ship promised not just a voyage, but an intimate encounter with Iceland’s raw beauty, and it delivered in spectacular fashion. This article will explore the National Geographic Endurance and the wonders of Iceland it reveals.
The itinerary unfolded like a carefully curated adventure, revealing Iceland’s diverse treasures. The experience of visiting Iceland by sea was incredible—and seeing it from the deck of National Geographic Endurance was an experience in itself. Each day brought new discoveries: the fiery spectacle of an active volcano, the ethereal blue depths of a glacial ice cave, the intricate artistry of coastal rock formations, the lively presence of marine mammals, the isolated charm of remote islands, and the captivating spectacle of countless bird species. The voyage wasn’t merely a sightseeing tour; it was an immersion into Iceland’s natural and geological wonders.
A Ship Designed for Exploration
Lindblad Expeditions distinguishes itself in the expedition cruising sector. Unlike many operators that repurpose existing icebreakers or research vessels, Lindblad conceived the National Geographic Endurance from the keel up, specifically for expedition travel. While retrofitted vessels offer access to remote polar regions and the ability to handle challenging weather, they sometimes compromise passenger comfort.
With the National Geographic Endurance, Lindblad meticulously considered every facet of the ship’s design, prioritizing performance, fuel efficiency, advanced safety measures, and unparalleled passenger comforts. The vessel stands as a testament to innovation, incorporating cutting-edge technologies like the X-Bow design, developed by the Norwegian shipbuilding firm Ulstein Group. This distinctive bow shape not only gives the ship a striking appearance but also significantly reduces fuel consumption and minimizes hull impact against the ocean surface in rough seas. The X-Bow slices through the waves, providing a smoother and more stable ride, a critical factor in expedition cruising where unpredictable weather is common.
The National Geographic Endurance boasts the highest ice-class rating currently held by a passenger ship. This superior hull strength and ice navigation capability allows the ship to venture into frozen polar regions earlier in the season and explore areas inaccessible to other vessels. While sea ice wasn’t encountered during the Icelandic voyage, the Endurance’s capabilities hint at the exciting possibilities for future polar expeditions.
Unparalleled Onboard Comforts
The National Geographic Endurance, along with its sister ship, the National Geographic Resolution, represents a new era for Lindblad Expeditions. These purpose-built vessels redefine expedition cruising with a focus on both exploration and luxury. With a maximum capacity of just 126 passengers accommodated in 69 elegantly appointed outside cabins, the National Geographic Endurance offers an intimate and exclusive experience. A significant number of these cabins are staterooms with private balconies (40 in total), while the other 13 are spacious balcony suites.
Even the smallest cabins feature windows, not mere portholes, offering ample natural light and expansive views. Each cabin is thoughtfully designed with comfortable sitting areas and functional desks, providing a relaxing space to unwind after a day of exploration. The suites elevate the experience to new heights, boasting private balconies complete with hammocks and inviting sitting areas. Inside, guests will find separate sleeping and living areas with comfortable sofabeds, large bathrooms with walk-in showers and separate soaking tubs, and roomy walk-in closets.
The ship offers a range of dining and social options. Two sit-down restaurants serve delectable cuisine, while two bars provide the perfect setting for relaxation and conversation. The Ice Lounge serves as the ship’s central gathering place, a vibrant hub where passengers congregate for pre-dinner happy hour and informative presentations. These presentations cover a range of topics, including recaps of the day’s explorations, previews of the next day’s activities, photo workshops, and insightful discussions on Icelandic history and wildlife, often led by local experts. The lounge is equipped with state-of-the-art TV monitors, allowing speakers to enhance their presentations with captivating photos, maps, and videos.
Beyond the Ice Lounge, the National Geographic Endurance offers a variety of inviting common areas, including a cozy fireplace lounge, a well-stocked library and game room, a dedicated science center, and abundant seating on the outdoor observation decks. For those seeking relaxation and rejuvenation, the ship features two hot tubs, two saunas, a yoga studio, and two spa treatment rooms. A well-equipped fitness room and a dedicated relaxation room cater to guests’ wellness needs.
Adding an artistic dimension to the voyage, a permanent art exhibit titled "CHANGE" is thoughtfully installed throughout the ship, prompting reflection on the beauty and fragility of the world’s polar regions. A truly unique feature is the two glass igloos located on the aft of the Observation Deck. Guests can reserve an igloo for an unforgettable glamping experience, complete with cozy comforts like hot water bottles to ward off the chill.
National Geographic Endurance: Built for Exploring
The heart of any expedition cruise lies in the experiences that unfold off the ship. The smaller size of expedition vessels allows them to navigate waterways inaccessible to larger cruise ships, granting passengers unique access to wildlife encounters and hidden corners of the world. In Iceland, this meant exploring remote areas and hidden gems.
Zodiac rafts serve as the primary mode of transport for these explorations. Guests donned waterproof gear for short, exhilarating rides to shore, navigating choppy waters and occasional splashes. These zodiac excursions allowed for either exploration of the coastline or landing on shore to further explore the area.
The small size of the expedition group fostered a sense of camaraderie and allowed for intimate explorations of Iceland’s most stunning locales, both by sea and on foot. Highlights included a visit to Grimsey Island, where passengers had the opportunity to walk to the boundary of the Arctic Circle; a close encounter with the dramatic cliffs and vibrant bird colonies of the Westman Islands; and a thrilling navigation through the narrow harbor at Heimaey, where lava from a 1973 volcanic eruption nearly blocked the channel and isolated the town.
Puffin sightings became a near-daily occurrence, as these charming birds, considered the unofficial mascots of Iceland, nest and breed in the millions from April to September. Along with Arctic Terns, gannets, kittiwakes, and other migratory birds, they created a symphony of sights and sounds, a delightful spectacle of avian activity.
Beyond the coastal explorations, excursions ventured inland to showcase Iceland’s dramatic landscapes. A hike towards the Fagradalsfjall volcano in the Reykjanes peninsula brought passengers close enough to witness molten lava spewing from the volcano’s mouth, a reminder of Iceland’s dynamic geological activity. Another adventure involved a ride on a giant ice truck to the top of the Langjökull glacier, followed by a guided tour of an artificial ice cave with Into the Glacier, offering a glimpse into the ethereal beauty of the glacier’s interior.
Final Reflections
The voyage aboard the National Geographic Endurance exceeded expectations. The combination of luxurious accommodations, a knowledgeable and enthusiastic expedition team, and unparalleled access to Iceland’s natural wonders created an unforgettable experience.
While expedition cruising represents a significant investment, the rewards are immeasurable. The high staff-to-passenger ratio ensures personalized attention and exceptional service. The expertise of the naturalists and expedition crew enriches every aspect of the journey, providing valuable insights into Iceland’s unique environment. The deluxe comforts of the ship create a relaxing and rejuvenating base for exploration.
Expedition cruising inherently involves an element of unpredictability, as weather conditions and the whims of nature can influence the itinerary. For instance, a planned visit to a puffin nesting site with an expected population of 100,000 birds was thwarted when the puffins departed the night before. This serves as a reminder that nature operates on its own schedule, regardless of the ship’s itinerary.
However, the flexibility and adaptability of the National Geographic Endurance and its crew allowed for alternative experiences that were equally rewarding. Ultimately, the voyage was a testament to the transformative power of expedition cruising, offering a unique opportunity to connect with the natural world and create lasting memories. Exploring Iceland With Lindblad Expeditions’ National Geographic Endurance is a wonderful experience for anyone who wants to see Iceland’s unique features.
